Meet The Women Behind The Design Inspiration

DesignersMelissa DavisKate DavidsonDvira OvadiaArticles

In honor of International Women’s Day – a day designated to celebrate the economic, political and social achievements of women around the world – we’re honoring a group of women designers whose contributions to Beautiful Design Made Simple help bring you home design inspiration year-round. From blog posts and magazine articles to exclusive videos and designer Q&As, meet the women whose efforts behind the scenes make a substantial difference to us here at BDMS, and to you within your home.

Melissa Davis, Principal Designer at Melissa Davis Group Design-Build

Celebrated as one of Canada’s most charismatic industry leaders, well-known Canadian designer Melissa Davis has a diverse portfolio ranging from private residences to large scale corporate projects. For almost 20 years, Melissa has been a highly respected designer and industry expert. With her experience in home design, architecture and construction, in 2008 she made her TV debut on the HGTV hit series Marriage Under Construction where her work was showcased in Canada, US and 40+ other countries around the world. In 2010 she became the Head of the Art Department and Series Designer for the award-winning Income Property. Her new HGTV show Backyard Builds will be premiering in 2017.

Today, Melissa regularly speaks in person and also across all media channels as an advocate of intelligent design. Her design projects are often on the editorial pages in Canada's top design and lifestyle publications, as well as on television. Melissa is a regular bi-weekly columnist for the Toronto Sun Paper “New Homes & Condos”, as well a regular contributing writer for Royal Le Page and numerous lifestyle design publications like VIVA and Reno & Décor magazines.

With a focus on exceptional quality and creative thinking, Melissa believes design and renovations should not only enhance how you live but also the income potential of your home. Melissa can be found acting as primary liaison with architects, builders, contractors and trades people to ensure harmony during her home construction and design projects.

Today her independent firm continues to grow, working on a variety of small and full-scale residential and commercial projects throughout Canada, as well brand collaborations and consulting within the construction and real estate industries. With almost two decades of reno & design experience, Melissa’s firm continues to service clientele specializing in value-adding ROI and resale consultations.

Dvira Ovadia, Principal Designer at Dvira Interiors

Dvira Ovadia, principal designer of Dvira Interiors is an award winning and respected Toronto Designer, she is known for her clever design work on a vast number of successful endeavors. Dvira began working in the industry for a handful of world renowned design firms in New York City and Toronto before her successful win on a television design series called From the Ground with Debbie Travis. Following that success, Dvira established her own design firm and in parallel was getting further involved in design & renovation shows.

Dvira has been the designer on TV series for the Unsellables, Reno and Relocate, Downright Domestic and moved into the role of Designer and Art director for 9 Seasons of the acclaimed- Income Property with Scott McGillivray on HGTV.

For over a decade now, Dvira’s multi-disciplinary Toronto Design firm works on a wide range of small and full scale residential and commercial interior projects, from concept to build her company services clients throughout Canada and the US. Dvira’s work has been showcased in numerous TV programs, as well as local and international design publications and websites across Canada and the United States.

Kate Davidson, Principal Designer at Kate Davidson Design

Kate’s passion, talent, and expertise have contributed to her success as one of Ontario’s leading designers. Known for her sophisticated and contemporary interiors, she has a diverse background from high end residential interiors to modern commercial design, set design and fine art consulting. This experience is the product of a dynamic range of projects from private residences to gourmet bakeries, and large scale corporate offices.

Actively involved in the design community; Kate is on the Professional Advisory Council and is a speaker for Sheridan College’s Interior Decorating Program. In the media, Kate’s work has been published in various design and lifestyle publications, magazines and newspapers. She has also appeared as a guest design expert on various daytime shows like The Marilyn Denis Show, CTV and CHCH Morning Live and is a frequent stage speaker at home design shows.

Kate’s firm, Kate Davidson Design, contributes to various local charities that are personal to them such as the Autism Society, The Furniture Bank, Oakville’s Hospital Foundation, and Ride to Conquer Cancer. Kate is a graduate of OCAD University’s Environmental Design program, with a Bachelor of Design class of 2003.

Linda Mazur, Principal Designer at Linda Mazur Design Group

Linda is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario, and started her entrepreneurial adventure in 1998. Pursuing design throughout her career in several different creative forms has given her a far-reaching knowledge and understanding of the field. Linda believes that good design should be timeless yet adapt to the needs of her clients. Her approach to design is a classic style blended with a bit of the unexpected, creating comfortable, functional and livable environments reflecting her client’s own individuality and personality.

With a focus on creative thinking and optimal functionality, Linda and her design team work with their clients to explore their own individual style and lifestyle needs, creating beautifully tailored designs of the highest quality standards. She serves as liaison with architects, builders, contractors and tradespeople to make the home renovation process smooth and efficient.

Linda is frequently featured as an industry expert in newspapers, magazines and websites. She is a columnist for the Toronto Sun Paper, “New Homes & Condos”, as well as Condo Life Magazine; and is a regular contributing writer for several other design lifestyle publications. Linda also regularly appears as an “Ask the Expert” at several leading home shows in Canada.

Linda has taken her passion for art and design and transformed it into the career it is today. She supports various charities that are personal to her such as ALS, Sick Kids Hospital and The Canadian Red Cross.

With almost two decades of experience, Linda’s in-demand, multi-disciplinary design firm, Linda Mazur Design Group, is known for creating relaxed stylish spaces and full-scale design builds within Toronto, the GTA and throughout Canada.